The GEMS concept and system design was adopted by the Town of Greenwich to upgrade the level of emergency health care from its previous all-volunteer Basic Life Support system. Its current operational structure is the result of comprehensive evaluations of Greenwich's unique needs and road systems.

The Town is divided into Primary Response Areas.  When a primary ambulance unit is dispatched to a call, other primary units relocate to pre-determined strategic locations.  When three or more GEMS ambulances are engaged on calls, a mutual aid agreement with Stamford EMS and Port Chester Rye Ambulance is activated.

Each GEMS 911 ambulance is staffed at the Advanced Life Support level with a paramedic and an Emergency Medical Technician [EMT].  All staff is credentialed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and have completed rigorous training. Staff members must also meet stringent qualifications for medical control authorization by our Medical Director at Greenwich Hospital.